TITLE
Recommendation to authorize City Manager to execute a contract between the City of Long Beach and the California Department of Transportation in the amount of $388,300 to provide services for the Construction Apprenticeship Pathways Program for the period of November 1, 2005 through October 31, 2006; and increase appropriations by $388,300 in the Community Development Grant Fund (SR 150) in the Department of Community Development (CD).
(Citywide)
DISCUSSION
The Southern California Region’s construction sector is the largest in the State, providing about 325,000 construction jobs. In Los Angeles County alone, construction employment is expected to grow by more than 17% by 2008, an increase of more than 19,000 new construction jobs. Significant development in Long Beach has created thousands of job opportunities for Long Beach residents with skills in the construction trades. However, the pool of skilled workers is not sufficient to meet the industry’s current or projected demand. Therefore, the Community Development Department collaborated with the Long Beach Community College District to develop the Construction Apprenticeship Pathways Program (CAP) to meet the construction industry’s need for skilled workers.
The Department submitted a proposal to the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) for funding to supplement CAP. Caltrans has notified the City of an award of $388,300 and anticipates awarding additional funds for the Program in 2006. The funding will support the training and employment needs for an additional 300 Long Beach residents through the provision of vocational training, academic enrichment and employment preparation services.
To enhance service to low-income and minority residents, recruitment strategies will target individuals residing within the City’s Targeted Employment Areas (TEAS) through the myriad partners committed to the project including Women in Non-Traditional Employment Roles W.I.N.T.E.R.), the Long Beach Mini...
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